Iga Swiatek can register the same accomplishment as Serena Williams if she wins the Italian Open.
The World Number One is right at home on her beloved clay and she has reached the semi-finals in Rome without dropping a set.
After claiming the Madrid Open title following an epic final with Aryna Sabalenka, the 22-year-old is aiming to lift the trophy in Rome for the second time in her career.
Should the Polish player claim victory at the Foro Italico this year, she would join a club that includes arguably the game’s greatest player.
Iga Swiatek will equal a feat last achieved by Serena Williams with Italian Open glory
On Friday Swiatek will aim to reach the Italian Open final and try to win the trophy for the second time in three seasons.
However, on this occasion the three-time Grand Slam champion would complete the Madrid and Rome double.
This is something no other WTA player has managed since Williams, who claimed both titles back-to-back in 2013. Dinara Safina was the first to complete the clay double back in 2009.
The American defeated Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-4 to take the title in the Spanish capital before securing a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Victoria Azarenka at the Foro Italico.
Williams capped the incredible run by beating Sharapova yet again to win the second of her three Roland Garros titles.
Should Swiatek win the Italian Open, she will be on course to win the French Open for the third successive year.
Who does Iga Swiatek play next?
Standing between Swiatek and a chance to continue her Madrid/Rome double quest is Coco Gauff, who is searching for her first Italian Open title.
The pair will square off in the semi-finals in what will be their first meeting since the 2023 WTA Finals. Swiatek has dominated this matchup having won nine of their 10 previous meetings.
The only sets she has dropped to the American were in her lone defeat in the Cincinnati Open semifinals last season.
When asked on court how she is approaching her match with Swiatek, Gauff replied: “I can’t tell you. She is a tough opponent to play, especially on clay.
“There’s a reason why she’s #1. But I feel like I’m getting better with each match. I’m really excited to play in the semifinal.”
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